DUBAI, 11th March, 2018 (WAM) -- Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Chairman of Dubai Executive Council and President of Hamdan bin Mohammed Smart University, HBMSU, Lt. General Dhahi Khalfan Tamim, Deputy Chairman of Police and General Security in Dubai and Chairman of the Board of Governors of HBMSU, officially inaugurated the 11th edition of Innovation Arabia, a pioneering conference and exhibition dedicated to "innovation" in the Middle East, at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre on Sunday, under the theme "Innovate, Disrupt and Transform."

On the sidelines of the opening ceremony, Dhahi Khalfan, said, "Our presence at this annual event reflects HBMSU’s vision and objectives in promoting the culture of creativity and innovation, as well as our efforts to strengthen our initiatives in scientific research within the education sector and keep pace with global changes in the 21st century. Innovation Arabia is an important integrated platform that supports the vision of the UAE's leadership for the country’s future, aimed at establishing the country as one of the most innovative and developed in the world."

Dr. Mansoor Al Awar, Chancellor of HBMSU and the Chairman of the Conference’s Higher Committee, thanked Sheikh Hamdan for his kind patronage of the conference and for his directives, which have made Innovation Arabia one of the most important global conferences. His foresight about the future is clearly embodied in his directions, noting that the world is changing and participants must cope with this change by enhancing education to be ready for the future, he added.

He emphasised the importance of the partnership with INDEX to move the conference to a global level, as HBMSU plans to cooperate with INDEX in launching the Asian and European editions of Innovation Arabia. He also praised the sincere efforts made by INDEX, under the chairmanship of Dr. Abdul Salam Al Madani, in organising the current edition of Innovation Arabia.

Dr. Al Madani, Chairman of INDEX Holding and the Executive Chairman of Innovation Arabia, added, "This year, INDEX Conferences and Exhibitions is extremely proud to announce the launch of the Asian and European editions of Innovation Arabia, under the title ‘Asian Innovations’ and ‘European Innovations’, in collaboration with HBMSU. Through such initiatives, we aim to transfer the successful themes and concepts of ‘Innovation Arabia’ beyond the shores of the Arab World to Asia and Europe, which are currently undergoing a rapid transformation with the advent of future technologies shifting business models across various sectors."